(The Center Square) – Ohio is sending an additional $750,000 in taxpayer funds to move a primary care facility in East Palestine to a new location.
The money is expected to help East Liverpool City Hospital create the new location for the facility in the small, eastern Ohio village impacted two years ago by a train derailment and toxic chemical release.
Officials say it should also allow the clinic to become a federally certified Rural Health Clinic, allowing it to access additional revenue streams. A certified rural clinic is one in a rural area with a shortage of personal health services or primary medical staffing.
A certified rural clinic gets payments on a set rate, which can be higher than the typical fee-for-service reimbursement received by traditional clinics.
“Two years after the train derailment in East Palestine, we are staying true to our word to residents,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “We will continue to stand by their side as long as it takes. This investment will set up East Palestine’s health clinic for long-term success – ensuring that residents will be able to continue accessing this convenient healthcare resource in their community, even after the cleanup ends.”
East Liverpool City Hospital, working with the Ohio Department of Health, opened a temporary clinic in February 2023, just days after the Norfolk Southern derailment. A permanent clinic opened in April 2023 and has provided primary care since then.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio Department of Health for their generous support of our primary care clinic, which provides high-quality care to the residents in East Palestine,” said Stephanie Conn, president and CEO of East Liverpool City Hospital. “East Liverpool City Hospital’s commitment to the East Palestine community remains unwavering.”
The state and local partners also opened a new mental health facility in the community in July.
